What if Falcao misses the World Cup?

 

Colombia are preparing for their first World Cup in 16 years, and having been very strong in qualifying they have every chance of doing quite well this year.. It is without doubt, however, that the injury to Radamel Falcao, who hasn't kicked a ball since January, is not likely to be his sharp self if he even makes it into the final squad at all.

But is it all doom and gloom if he does not make it there?

In short, no.

It's no doubt that Falcao's presence will be missed, not only by Colombia, but by football fans across the world. This competition is the greatest footballing competition on earth, and the very best players should be on show - but perhaps it might just give the other Colombian forwards a chance to shine.

Looking at the players in and around the Colombia squad 10 years ago, you see that they were strong in defence. The likes of Ivan Cordoba and Mario Yepes were in their prime and playing at top European clubs - but they had no goalscoring threat. Nowadays, that is quite the opposite - highlighted by the fact that Yepes remains in the heart of their defence at the ripe old age of 38 and their backup 'keeper is Faryd Mondragon who made his debut in 1993. He's now 42..!

These days they have an abundance of attacking players who are making a name for themselves in Europe, and who would be desperate to prove themselves if given the chance to come out of El Tigre's shadow;

Jackson Martinez is often deployed as Falcao's back up, but has not scored many coming off the bench. I feel like he is linked with top clubs every summer, and has scored 29 goals in 51 games in all competitions for Porto this season. He's a man on form, he knows how to score and he has played in the big competitions.

Teo Gutierrez often played alongside Falcao and they worked together well, between them scoring more than half of Colombia's goals in qualifying - but will he be able to have that same kind of partnership with somebody else? I'm not so sure..

There's Fredy Montero who hasn't even made the 30 man squad but was making a name for himself in the MLS before going on loan to Sporting in the Portuguese league, scoring 13 goals in 16 games! They've got Carlos Bacca who's scored in 50% of his matches played for Sevilla in Spain. Luis Muriel and Victor Ibarbo playing in Italy - who both know how to find the net. Adrian Ramos playing in Germany, James Rodriguez, teammate of El Tigre himself, although not a striker also is a threat to any defence with his pace and trickery. The list goes on..!

So no, it is not doom and gloom is Falcao doesn't make it. A shame? Absolutely. But not a disaster. It might even spur them on to greater hights, with so many players having something to prove.. Their Manager is no slouch, and has turned them into a very difficult team to beat. In the heat of Brazil, you have to assume that the South American teams will do well - and so there should be no doubt that Colombia are a genuine contender this year, with our without their main man.